Al Stone's Blog, page 8

Book Blitz & Giveaway - CINDER31LA by Freida Kilmari

CINDER31LAAuthor: Freida KilmariPublication Date: August 31st, 2024Genre: Adult LGBTQ+ / Retelling / Steampunk
Book Description:I have 22,280 days left to live.
She only has 31.
Here in Clepsydra, everyone knows when they’re going to die. Born with a life clock embedded into our wrists, the tick-tock of our heartbeat is a pulse we’ll forever hear. Steambotics rule number one? Never mess with a life clock. For 21 years of my life, I’ve followed the rules and walked in my late father’s footsteps, hoping to one day be as good an engineer as he was.
Until she walked into my life.
The princess is dying, and it’s up to me to break the law and do the impossible. To cure time.
Buy Links: Amazon US  | UK
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BOOK REVIEW: Sky High by Christy Breedlove

Sky High Author: Christy Breedlove
Publication Date: 30 July 2024
Genre: YA Dystopian

Book Description:
In a post apocalypse world, a group of teenage orphans are determined to escape the tortures of a mile-high city government—a literal platform-city in the sky. They seek the refuge of a utopian society they believe is rumored to exist.

However, all is not well when they reach terra firma. They escape a communist dictatorship only to land in a world of rogue tribes and hybrid monsters.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK

SUMMARY
The story is set over 800 years into the future, where humanity’s catastrophic past has led to a world divided between those who live in towering cities above the clouds and those who remain on the devastated earth below. The society within these sky-high cities is rigid, with strict rules, assigned roles and harsh penalties for those who step out of line. Four teenagers—Toby, Maria, Justice and Remy—decide to defy the oppressive system of Cloud’s Rest, their airborne city, by escaping to the ground, a place they’ve only heard about in whispers and rumours. Their journey is fraught with danger as they are relentlessly pursued by the city’s security forces, led by the determined Lieutenant Branson Newman. On the ground, the teens encounter strange creatures, unpredictable tribes and a world vastly different from the one they fled, challenging their perceptions and testing their resolve.

MY THOUGHTS
Sky High presents an intriguing concept of a dystopian future where humanity has split between the skies and the earth. The setting, with its towering city and the desolate ground below, immediately draws readers into a world where survival is dictated by strict societal rules. However, while the escape from Cloud’s Rest is the catalyst for the plot, the majority of the story centres around the teens' struggles and encounters after their descent from the sky-high city.

The plot is engaging, with a well-paced journey that introduces various challenges and adversaries as the teens navigate this unfamiliar terrain. The contrast between the regimented life in Cloud’s Rest and the wild, unpredictable nature of the ground is compelling, though it could have benefited from deeper exploration of both worlds. The tribes and creatures the group encounters are intriguing, but there’s a sense that much more could be uncovered in future installments or with more detailed storytelling.

When it comes to character development, the teens are defined more by their roles and physical descriptions than by distinct personalities or growth throughout the narrative. Toby, as the de facto leader, shows some initiative, but the rest of the group—especially Maria and Justice—could have been fleshed out more fully to create a stronger emotional connection with the reader. Branson, on the other hand, stands out as a character with more depth, particularly as his role evolves towards the end of the story.

Dialogue within the book reflects the formal upbringing of the teens in their rigid society, but at times it felt stilted and could have used more variety to better differentiate the characters. The writing is accessible, with minimal graphic content, making it a suitable read for the YA audience. The action scenes are well-executed, and the inventive use of the teens’ makeshift weapons adds a layer of excitement to their encounters.

Overall, while Sky High delivers a solid dystopian adventure with an interesting premise, it leaves some areas underdeveloped. The world Breedlove has created is rich with potential, but I found myself wanting more—more exploration of the sky-high cities, more insight into the various tribes and more depth in the characters’ personal journeys. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read that set the stage for what could be a much larger and more complex story in future books.

VERDICT

Rating: 4 StarsSource: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Carved From Wood by Brendan O’Meara

Carved From Wood(Crafting Humanity, #2)Author: Brendan O’MearaPublication Date: June 6th, 2024Genre: YA Dystopian
Book Description:James and his team head South after witnessing the BlankZone decimate the city of Midway. Their self-ascribed mission is to explore the most dangerous place on the planet – the new BlankZone border in the Southern Federation.
While conspiracies drive the narrative in the North, James and his team set out to learn about the Federation’s mysterious aggressors. Jump back into the adventure as James and his friends discover new families, build allies, and come face to face with the enemy threatening their existence. Secrets, lies, and manipulation are exposed as James gets closer than he ever imagined to their greatest threat.
Buy Links: Amazon US  | UK
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Daddy, Take Me Away: A Daddy Dom Romance Anthology

Daddy, Take Me Away: A Daddy Dom Romance Anthology(Dirty Daddies 2024 Anthology Series, #2)Publication Date: August 16th, 2024Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Book Description: Bags are packed, flights are booked. Time to grab your passport, and Daddy’s hand!
The only thing Daddies love more than punishing naughty little girls…is rewarding good girls. And for these Daddies, that means a nice relaxing vacation.
But being on the go won’t save these babygirls if they decide to test their Daddy’s patience. And if they thought a sunburn was bad, it’s nothing compared to the burn Daddy’s hand will leave on their bottoms.
Buy Links: Books2Read
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Mr. Absolutely Not! by Alina Jacobs

Mr. Absolutely Not!(The Seattle Svenssons, #1)Author: Alina JacobsPublication Date: August 6th, 2024Genre: Adult Comedy / Contemporary Romance
Book Description:Armed with comfy pants, overpriced coffee, and a highly anxious emotional-support corgi, I prepare to face him.
Corporate boss.Villain.
I step into his office. His perfect mouth twists into a sneer.
There is no heart of gold beneath that suit, just a big black pit. He’s a shark in the frothy waters of high-stakes finance.
He might be the quintessential asshole CEO, causing all in his path to quake in fear, but he’s never had to face down a basic bitch in her thirties.
I am exactly like the other girls—I adore Starbucks, greige home decor, and making snarky jokes with my bestie. I’ve even inherited a stalker from an ill-advised singles party.
Yeah, the stalker is… a problem, one I’m hoping will just go away if I ignore it.
I can’t ignore him, though.He’s all broad shoulders and snide comments, picking apart everything about me as he circles me, going for the kill.He would never fire me, though. There’s no fun in that. He wants me to quit, to have a mental breakdown.Well, he can get in line behind my crazy gold-digging sister, my guilt-tripping mother, and the aforementioned stalker.
He pins me with his gaze.I brace myself, waiting for the verbal blow to come…Instead, he says, “I need a date tonight, and unfortunately, it has to be you.”
This is a full-length, enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy, complete with smokin’ hot-but-morally gray heroes, a smidge of suspense, and of course the perfect happily ever after!

Buy Links:Amazon US | UK
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Book Launch Review and Interview - The Groundworld Heroes by Adrian So

The Groundworld Heroes Author: Adrian So
Publication Date: 6 August 2024
Genre: MG Fantasy / Adventure

Book Description:

"An original voice and a fun, funny adventure underground." 

Adam Rex, NYT Bestselling Author of THE TRUE MEANING OF SMEKDAY

When Groundworld is on the brink of extinction, it takes one mole with courage to save the day.

When Benjamin, a junior mole digger, witnesses a human invasion of his homeland, he must find his long-lost courage and unite two culturally distinct realms to fight the intruders and save his kind from extinction. What perils lie before him as he ventures into the unknown? Can Benjamin go up against a rough bunch of illegal animal trappers before it's too late? 

Meet the Groundworld heroes as they defend their country's sovereignty and save their fellow citizens from capture and extinction. 

Perfect for fans of Kate Dicamillo and Roald Dahl.

Buy Links:
Amazon US | UK


REVIEW
SUMMARY
The Groundworld Heroes by Adrian So is an engaging adventure set in the imaginative underground realm of Soiland. The story follows Benjamin Mole, a Junior Digger who has experienced significant personal loss. His mother died during childbirth, and his father was killed by humans, leaving Benjamin to navigate life as a shy and lonely mole, struggling with his job and social interactions.
Soiland, a vibrant subterranean world inhabited by diverse animal species, faces an existential threat from vengeful humans who previously had their crops harvested by the Groundworld vegetable collectors. As the human invasion begins to cause catastrophic damage to Soiland, President Hare orders an evacuation to save the inhabitants. Benjamin, who was initially left behind, witnesses his friend Connor Meerkat being kidnapped by the invaders. Determined and courageous, Benjamin embarks on a daring mission to rescue Connor and defend his homeland. The narrative is rich with clever names and titling that reflect the characteristics and lifestyles of the animal characters, adding a layer of charm to the storytelling.
MY THOUGHTS
This book is a delightful and heartwarming read, perfectly suited for fans of middle-grade adventure stories, reminiscent of the works of Kate DiCamillo and Roald Dahl. Adrian So has crafted a world that feels both fantastical and relatable, with Soiland serving as a compelling backdrop for the tale of bravery and friendship.

Benjamin Mole is a well-developed protagonist whose journey from a timid and isolated mole to a brave hero is both inspiring and endearing. His personal struggles and growth make him a character that young readers can easily connect with. The supporting cast, including President Hare and the loyal Connor Meerkat, add depth and diversity to the story, making the underground world of Soiland come alive.

The book's clever use of names and titles to reflect the species and characteristics of the animal inhabitants is a charming touch that adds to the overall appeal. The themes of courage, unity and the fight against extinction are handled with sensitivity and imagination, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Overall, The Groundworld Heroes is a beautifully written adventure that captures the essence of bravery and the importance of standing up for one's community. It's a perfect read for children and anyone who enjoys a heartwarming adventure with memorable characters and a richly imagined world. This book fits comfortably into the middle-grade fantasy adventure genre and is a testament to Adrian So's storytelling prowess.

VERDICT

Rating: 5 StarsSource: Author

Author Interview
1. Tell a little about yourself. What you do when youíre not writing? What are your aspirations for the future?
My name is Adrian So, and I'm from Winnipeg, a mid-sized, freezing city smack dab in the middle of the Canadian prairies. When I'm not writing, you will probably find me either playing soccer (or football, not to offend the British audience), grinding on a video game, or goofing around with my friends. As for aspirations for my future, I actually don't want to be a full-time author because a) it doesn't look like I can sustain myself just by being an author and b) I'm not that kind of guy who can be locked up in a room, typing on a laptop for hours on end. So I think I want to be a lawyer instead when I'm older.
2. Who are your favourite authors of all time?
There are many authors that I'm a fan of, but there are only a handful that I consider as my favourites. They are Roald Dahl, David Walliams, Alan Gratz, Andy Stanton, Gordon Korman, Kenneth Oppel, and Eric Walters. 
3. When and why did you start writing?
I developed an interest in stories a long time ago, when my brother used to make them up and tell me about them. I would do the same, and we'd go back and forth, and it became a habit that we followed for years. I believe that was what spurred my love for storytelling. But I haven't really gotten into writing until 5th/6th grade. That was when the pandemic hit and schools were shut down, sending all of us back home. I grew bored of online learning and had nothing to do, so every day I would write a short story on a piece of loose leaf, until I got an entire folder full of loose leaves. 
4. Give us some backstory behind The Groundworld Heroes. Where and when did you write it?
In 7th grade was when I wrote my first complete book, THE GROUNDWORLD HEROES, which I spent 3 months writing, and I did that by committing to write 200 words every day (which is a very low word count to a lot of writers). I got the idea for it when I was doing some yard work with my dad and my brother. I wondered, How many animals live under our patches of lawn and what if I wrote a book about underground animals? So I just took the ball and ran with it and cranked out a couple chapters. 
5. What was your favourite part of writing The Groundworld Heroes?
My favourite part of writing THE GROUNDWORLD HEROES must be writing about the villains. I find writing them more enjoyable than writing my protagonists. This is because I have the freedom to make them as evil, as hideous, as clumsy as I want. There is no limit when it comes to writing them and it feels oddly satisfying.
6. Can you see yourself in any of your characters?
I do see myself in my characters and there are a few character traits that we have in common. For example, I have felt uncertainty, like Benjamin Mole, I have a bit of insanity, like the villains, and I sometimes eat carrots, like Mr. Hare. But I don't base my characters off of myself, at least not intentionally. But subconsciously, I might have incorporated pieces of myself when I'm crafting these characters.
7. If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?
If I could choose a superpower, I would choose to be able to teleport. I'm basically invincible if I have that ability, I can go anywhere at any time I want, without ever having to pay a penny or having to sit in a plane or a car. 
8. Which fictional character would you like to take to dinner and why?
If I could meet any fictional character, if you're including TV shows/Movies, I'd love to have dinner with Stewie Griffin from Family Guy because he seems funny and dangerous and intelligent.
9. Do you write as you go or do you have the book planned before you start the first draft?
I write as I go. I can't write with a plan because it looks like I can never follow it, and I don't feel motivated enough to write knowing that I'm confined to my own plans. So many of my greatest scenes wouldn't ever be written if I'm a plotter, so I'm sure I'm not plotter material, and will most likely remain a pantser for the rest of my author career.
10. What advice do you have for beginning writers?
My advice for beginning writers is to write, no matter how bad your manuscript is. My first manuscript is absolute crap, and it took me upwards of eighty revisions to get it into the final draft. Also, don't worry about how much time it takes for you to get it into the final draft, it took me about two years to get to that stage, and some authors take even longer as well.

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Echo on the Water by JA Huss

The Echo on the WaterAuthor: JA HussPublication Date: July 25th, 2024Genre: Adult Romance / Suspense
Book Description: Rosie Harlow is desperately seeking … well, she’s not sure. A romance would be nice but so would a dinner conversation with her pre-teen son. Too bad her boy is way too busy growing up to pay his mama any attention. Rosie never meant to swear off men and she’s not frigid—you don’t become a single mom at fifteen by being frigid—but this dry spell of hers has gotten out of hand and something must be done.
Enter Amon Parrish. Back in high school Amon was voted most likely to get caught with his pants down. He was a trouble maker. The quintessential bad boy. But twelve years away from home, traveling the world and working with Collin Creed doing super-secret (and somewhat illegal) things, changed all that. These days Amon Parrish is a brand-new, stand-up man.
And, to Rosie’s surprise, a romantic man as well. Because he has decided to court her. And this is not just any ordinary courting, either. It’s… well, a page ripped right out of a bodice ripper.
But everyone in Disciple, West Virginia has a secret in their past.
Even the cheerful, perpetually optimistic, and seemingly innocent, Rosie Harlow.
The Echo on the Water is a swooning plate of small-town fiction served up with a side of spice. It honors the themes of friends to lovers, found family, and is filled with bigger-than-life, morally-grey characters against a backdrop of the weird and wonderful.
INSIDE THE PAGES YOU WILL FIND:
Small Town Secrets
Charming Alpha Male
Friends to Lovers
Touch Her and Die
Morally Grey
Found Family
THIS BOOK WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE AT NOOK, KOBO, AND APPLE ON PRE-ORDER and will release two days early at those distributors. It will go into Kindle Unlimited on the stated release day of July 25, 2024.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Wormwood by D.H. Nevins

Wormwood(Wormwood, #1)Author: D.H. NevinsPublication Date: October 10th, 2011Genre: YA / Adult Dystopian Fantasy / Romance
Book Description:Angels. Demons. Love. Deceit.
“Nevins should be at the top of the New York Times Best-sellers List with this series.” – Amazon Reviewer
Tiamat and his brothers, a legion of one hundred half-angels, have orders to end all of humanity. Yet in a moment of weakness, Tiamat risks his life to rescue a hiker named Kali from the very destruction he initiated.
Kali, thrust from the surety of her world into the boundless hell of Tiamat’s, must try to find a way to survive on the Earth’s vast, devastated landscape. Plagued by a legion of Nephilim bent on sending her on, she is forced to trust Tiamat – the one being who could prove to be her greatest enemy.
“OMG … Fabulous. Unputdownable. 5 stars” – Fundinmental Reviews.
“A new kind of tormented romance that is absolutely captivating.” – Carlyle Lasbuchane, USA Today bestselling author
Only 99c for a limited time!
Buy Links: Amazon  | UK
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Storm and Flame by Mallory Wanless

Storm and Flame(Enchanted, #1)Author: Mallory WanlessPublication Date: September 22nd, 2022Genre: YA Fantasy
Book Description:Elena has always been a disappointment. Her magic is practically non-existent and now, on her sixteenth birthday, she is expelled from magic school by the strict headmistress–also known as her mother. Cast out into the world of the magically inept with only her familiar for company, Elena feels lost and alone until she meets a strange boy in the woods.
Quinn is a thief, a hunter, and a hothead. His unexpected friendship with Elena awakens a fiery side in him–quite literally– and uncovers new and surprising magical abilities. Except men aren’t supposed to be capable of magic.
With Quinn’s help, Elena carves a safe new life as a barmaid, but when she is attacked, her powers awaken with shocking ferocity. Elena’s explosion of magic creates a power surge that attracts the attention of magical investigators, sent to uncover and contain the source of the power surge.
But the awakening of their powers kickstarts an ancient prophecy. Will they be able to escape those that hunt them? Can they fulfill the prophecy, destroy the turmio and save magic from being destroyed once and for all?
Content warning: the story mentions incidents of child abuse, sexual assault, and birth trauma. May not be suitable for some readers.
Storm and Flame is the first in a completed trilogy. A found family low-spice series perfect for fans of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval series, Margaret Rogerson’s Sorcery of Thorns, and Phillip Pullman’s Golden Compass.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
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Blog Tour Spotlight - The Flying Barons of Negriponte by James Calbraith

In the ruins of a fallen Empire, the first ever female pilot takes part in a flying boat race to free her people from the foreign oppression…

The Flying Barons of Negriponte(The Aether Empire Book 1)Author: James CalbraithPublication Date: September 20, 2023Pages: 134Genre: Historical Fantasy / Candlepunk
Book Description:They killed her father. They took her ship. But nothing will stop Ikaria's vengeance.
Forty years since Constantinople fell to the Venetian flying citadels, high-altitude Aether racing is the favoured pastime of bored, wealthy Latin nobles. Ikaria, proud daughter of a legendary Aether engineer and one of the best racing pilots in the Aegean, is determined to uncover the truth behind her father's mysterious disappearance at the end of the last Grande Regatta of Negriponte.
Driven by the thirst of vengeance and pursuit of engineering excellence in equal measures, Ikaria vows to win the next Regatta herself - and to find out what really happened to her father. But there's a catch: a new Imperial edict bars her, and anyone not of noble blood, from taking part in Aether races. To her rescue comes Sire Mikhael of Chiarenza - an enigmatic handsome young Greek turncoat in the service of new Latin masters. His motivations unclear, the source of his funds and supplies a secret, Ikaria nonetheless agrees to accept his help: together, they set out to challenge the supremacy of the six Hexarchs, the infamous Flying Barons of Negriponte.
Pick up your copy of The Flying Barons of Negriponte atAmazon US | UKRead more »